SNHU Spotlight: Mary Beth Dayley, MA in English and Creative Writing Grad

Mary Beth Dayley ‘24G describes herself as a lifelong learner. After years of traveling and taking classes where she could, all while raising her children, she earned her undergraduate degree at 43. Now, at 80 years old, she earned her online Master of Arts (MA) in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

“I’m very excited,” she said. “This is one of (the) things on my bucket list, so I’m really excited to earn it.”

Learning at Every Stage of Her Life

According to Dayley, education was always important to her, though not always easily accessible. In her 20s and 30s, she was busy raising her children. But while living in Italy with her family, she began taking classes online.

“I graduated at 43, and I was pregnant with my youngest son,” she said. “We went to Heidelberg, Germany. That’s where I graduated from, in their 600th anniversary of being a university.”

Due to her love of learning, Dayley said she always took courses whenever and wherever she could. She noted that she even wound up taking more classes than she needed to obtain a degree.

“To me, it’s very important to always be learning. It may be something as simple as learning Photoshop,” she said.

After obtaining her first degree, Dayley continued working and supporting her family. Once she retired, she said that she spent time with her husband, who was in poor health, and she also checked off another item on her bucket list.

“I served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their genealogical library in Salt Lake where I helped people from all over the world learn about Scandinavian genealogy,” she said.

During this busy time, Dayley said her dream of earning a master’s degree was put aside, nearly forgotten. But once her husband’s daughter obtained her master’s, the dream was reignited.

“I suddenly thought, ‘It’s not too late! I can do that,’” she said.

Motivated by Family

According to Dayley, her family has been a source of support and encouragement.

“Emotionally, (my children and grandchildren) really supported me," she said. "When I got discouraged, they would say, ‘No, it’s okay, you’ll get it done.’ My grandchildren are excited because I’m older, and they’re surprised that I’m still going to school.”

Dayley said she encourages each of her 15 grandchildren to pursue learning — but to also have fun. 

The Flexibility of Online Courses

Dayley noted that she understands the challenges of balancing life and schoolwork herself.

“One of the most difficult parts of getting my master’s degree... was that my health wasn’t the best at age 80,” she said. “But it worked out just fine. I was able to get my back surgery and still go to school. I had my surgery during the break week, so I was able to continue.”

During another break between classes, she managed to take one of her grandchildren to Scotland, too.

“The program is made so ... you don’t have to give up everything in your life to go back and get your (education) through SNHU,” she said.

Dayley said that, at her age and in her situation, the only way she could have received her master’s degree was through an online program. Having online programs for those who cannot attend in person, she said,  is important.

“I’m very grateful,” she said. “I think that I learned a lot. For me, it was a better way to do it.”

A Master's Degree to Help Her Write Her Memoir 

Dayley said she's always loved to write. She pursued an education in English and creative writing, not only to learn how to improve her writing skills but also to apply those skills. In her capstone course at SNHU, she focused on compiling her memoir.

She plans to add 40,000 more words to her memoir, have them edited by her daughter and eventually, pursue publication. According to Dayley, her daughter will assist her in maintaining accuracy and honesty within the work.

“The most important thing about writing a memoir is being honest and not exaggerating and not telling things differently than (how) they really happened,” said Dayley. 

Dayley said that for anyone who wants to pursue earning their degree, to just go for it — if the time is right.

“It’s never too late to get your education when it’s ready for you,” she said. “It has to be the right time. It’s not always the right time ... and you can still do it, but to wait until you’re ready to do it is more important.”

After waiting until she was ready, Dayley said that finally having the opportunity to walk across the stage and receive her degree was a huge accomplishment.

“It was on my bucket list for most of my life,” she said. “School is very important to me. I think it’s important that I keep learning and (keep) my mind fresh.”

Abigayle Mahnken ’22 is an assistant content writer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and is currently earning a Master of Arts (MA) in English and Creative Writing. Passionate about storytelling and education, she enjoys learning from fellow students' experiences and sharing their stories. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, reading, and learning. She also really likes video games. Connect with her on LinkedIn.